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Removal of trees and playgrounds are causing property values to fall. Properties in home owner and condominium associations are loosing money in unlikely places.

The home owner and condominium associations are removing the essential components of their common areas. Playgrounds and trees are being removed at an alarming rate. Does it seem justified that playgrounds are being replaced with dog runs? They often don't take into consideration that the park-like scene has a direct added value to a property.

As insurance prices are going up, Association boards are looking for ways to reduce liabilities. There is financial pressure placed on the associations every time their insurance company has to pay a claim. Trees may fall on people and cars and children may get hurt on the playgrounds

Removal of common elements often have devastating effects on the culture of the community. A park-like scene is quickly turned into mere concrete, dirt and possibly a dog run. Child's play is an essential component of child development. This allowes the parents an opportunity to get to know one another while the children would have the essential opportunity to be kids.

Families are forced to spend more time inside when the greenspace is removed. This has a direct negative effect on the sense of community, the social skill and health of our youth.

There is no consideration as to the impact on global warming. There is a reduction of shade; increased utility bills; and it often becomes more expensive to the association and unit owner, than the increased insurance rates they would have paid.

Home owners, unit owners, condo owners must make a request to their association board to make a change in their bylaws, stating that common elements will not be modified without a vote by the property owners. They may find that their land is raped of all the valuable greenspace if they don't take the initiative to make changes.Learn More

This is happening and this happened to me. I bought then sold a condominium in Montgomery County. I came home from vacation and over thirteen mature trees from around the complex were removed. The playground which faced my home had beautiful shade trees to keep the kids cool and shaded was now completely exposed to the afternoon sun and heat. www.BuyAndSellExpert.com promotes healthy communities.

The board members had the trees removed. They said that the tree company had made recommendations as to which trees were to be taken down. I asked why they did not get an independent party to make the recommendations. They had no response. I asked why it was recommended that those trees were removed and they said that they would provide me with a report. That was six months ago. I have yet to receive the report and don't expect one.

I sold the property as quickly as I could. I was subjected to a board that had terrible decision making abilities. After the tree removal they told me that they were planning on taking out the playground. I stopped them from removing the playground equipment. No one on the board had young children. They did not understand the value of a playground.

Advocate for your community.Now I am a commissioner on the Commission on Common Ownership Communities. I am striving to make chages so that everyone may benefit. Learn what you can do to help your community. Provide helpful advice to others: http://www.buyandsellexpert.com/real-estate/comission-on-common-ownership-communities.html . You can make an impact if you will take the time to get involved.Take Action Now

The net result is that the properties become less attractive to potential home buyers, who are also property investors, the value of the properties decline.

Carolyn Thompson is the owner of Intellagent Realty Services LLC and a community advocate. More Information